I've got that joy,joy, joy down in my heart!

Our day did not start with joy - just keeping it real- but overall it was a JOYFUL day. Moms who pretend like everyday is perfect need to share their secrets with the rest of us! By 9:00, Evie and I were both ready for naptime. She woke up on the wrong side of the crib this morning. Nothing made her happy but after nap - she was back to her sweet, sassy self. That kid needs her sleep.

   Jacob and Kristin came over for a playdate which really brightened our day! Kristin even brought delicious baked ziti. YUMMY! Can't wait to try her recipe because my baked ziti is never all that good. Evie and Jacob had a great time playing. They crawled in the colorful tunnel, shopped for groceries and played with the folding doors in the den. Why are all children fascinated by the opening and shutting of a door? They were both pretty impressed with the lemon poppyseed scones. Evie was wiped out and apparently she wiped out Jacob too. Kristin's email this afternoon said, " Your child seriously wore my child out. Jacob  is still sleeping." She wrote that at 4:40. Sounds like a great nap to me. Naptime is always a happy time. Since, Carl is gone - which means less laundry and no cooking, I settled down with my Jodi Picoult book.: Change of Heart. It's really good but hard to read at the same time. Jodi Picoult writes from the perspective of  all of her characters. Lindsay and I were engaged in our little long distance bookclub today when I expressed my burning question. Does Jodi write the entire book at once or does she write each character's part and then tie it all together? That's something that I am interested to find out about - Google and I might be investigating that later tonight.

   Evie and I had such a fabulous afternoon. We checked out a really cool bookstore in Cool Springs. It's called The Book Gallery -my friend Carol had told me about it several months ago and we just got around to checking it out. It's in the Kroger shopping center on Mallory Lane between Kroger and Jo-Ann Fabric. They have a gigantic selection of books and they are all super cheap. Evie got four new board books for $9. Now, that's a deal! Some of them are a tiny bit dented but that's okay since they would not stay in perfect condition for long at our house anyway. What a great find! Evie and I will go back soon. Books are one of the most important things you buy your kids! My parents bought me lots of books and I have always been an advid reader with the exception of the last 15 months. Although, I did read plenty of sleep books but that is not quite the same.

     After our bookstore jaunt, we went to Chick fil A for Family Night even though we are missing one very important member of our family. We called to tell him all about it! Evie LOVED it. I had never been to Family Night before but it's really fun. Kid's meals are free with the purchase of an adult combo so we both ate for $7 since I had to have a lemonade. They had a ballon artist and a singing sensation named Rachel Sumner. Evie was enthralled by the ballon artist but he was too busy making elaborate balloon animals so we skipped that part tonight. We had a great seat and Evie clapped her way through dinner. She had a ball and devoured her four tiny nuggets and fruit. I had never given her raw apple since it seems like the perfect choking hazzard but she thought apples were really tasty. We even ran into three different friends so I guess we really  do live here! Family Night was the perfect combination for her: music, kids, balloons and food! It was pretty crazy but she was having so much fun that I was mostly able to overlook the screaming kids, the cold fries and the popping balloons. Evie makes a terrific dinner date. Not quite as good as her Daddy but she comes close.

    We came home and played with bubbles in the kitchen sink. Every morning, I get an email from Productive Parenting with an activity suggestion that is age appropriate. Evie always enjoys the activies and it gives us something new and different to do each day. Sometimes the activities are really simple. Other days more elaborate but they are always ideas that you can implement easily with the stuff you already have right in your house. I filled the sink up with warm water and lots of  bubbles. Next time, I will use Mr. Bubble because that smelll  takes me right back to my childhood; taking a bath in my Aunt Ebby's pink bathroom. 

  I put her slip resistant bath mat under the kitchen chair - this was really easy to do since I had washed it the other day and it has been sitting in the laundry room waiting for someone to take it upstairs. Anyway, Evie climbed right up in the chair with a little help from me. Look at her sweet feet, she's standing on her tippy-toes! She had a grand time and I had a pretty good time watching her. That's the very best part about being a mom is all the fun stuff you get to do with your kids! Although, the hugs and kisses are pretty fabulous too!

The Daddy Blues!

Carl left this morning for the week. We already miss him and are ready for Friday. Evie knew it was going to be a long week so she slept until 7:45 and then was ready to sleep again at 9:15. She LOVES to sleep which works for me!

   We just hung out around the house this morning and had fun playing. Evie is really into books these days. I probably read her thirty books over the course of the day. It's time for some new books. She might not be bored with her selection but I am ready for some new ones considering I have memorized all of the words.  Evie has learned how to help me with applying lotion. She squirts a little on my leg and rubs it right in. Now, that's helpful! Evie often mimics me now and it's really entertaining to chat with her. She also will do whatever I do and follows simple commands. Evie put your hands on your head, get me your shoes etc. I can tell she is getting smarter by the minute. She took a nice long nap but I had to wake her to go to a playdate. Luckily, she springs right out of her crib ready for the next adventure.We had so much fun at Amy and Audra's house. Evie just made herself at home helping herself to some snacks and checking out Audra's toys. She has figured out that she is a "big" girl now and pats the babies on their faces. It sounds sweet but it's a little scary. Sometimes, she is a little too rough but she means well. 

   After the playdate, we headed to the new Goodwill in Franklin. I  suddenly remembered why I do not go to Goodwill stores as soon as I entered the building. Nothing is worth looking through a pile of things that I do not need. Not even a mirror. I am searching for an interesting mirror that I can turn into a chalkboard for my kitchen. Maybe Craig will have it on his list.  That's probably my best bet since I do not enjoy treasure hunting at Goodwill. Evie and I ran into Whole Foods to get a few provisions for the week since Carl is gone. That means no cooking for me! Try their Barbecue Chicken Pizza. It's fabulous! Evie munched on mango strips while I looked around a little. I am positive that she is my child because she scouts out all the free sample stations and points excitedly until she gets her hand on it. Luckily, it's usually fruit, cheese or if we are lucky a piece of bread.

    Evie helped me straighten the house a little. She cleaned the coffee table with a papertowel all by herself. I am so proud of my little helper.She has been saying Da Da all day. Maybe she thinks if she says it enouugh, he will magically appear! She likes to look at his picture and carries the frame around with her. What a sweet girl!

It Feels Like Home!

One year ago today, we made the big announcement that we were moving to Tennessee. It seems like yesterday in some ways and in other ways like a lifetime ago. Evie has lived in three houses and multiple hotels in her short 15 months of life. Carl and I were both shocked but ready to make the move work for our family. Tennessee seemed about as foreign to me as China would seem to the average person. I even made up my own lyrics to the song Rockytop. My version went something like this - Rocktop, you'll never be home sweet home to me! Never say never because Rockytop is home to me.

      I had only been to Tennesse once and it was only right over the North Carolina line on a hike back in high school. So, I was not exactly familiar with the Volunteer state. Carl has lived in Knoxville while he was in the fourth grade. Tennessee seemed so far away from North Carolina.That part has not changed. Tennessee is still really far from North Carolina.  Carl and I learned a lot in the process. Here's a few of the most important things we learned: Save all receipts, get your house pre-inspected before you put it on the market, keep copious notes on all things related to the move and quickly become a part of your new community. My biggest piece of advice is to get an idea of how much your house is worth before you accept an offer to move. It gives you a lot more leverage in negotiating with your employer. That was our BIGGEST mistake!I can remember sitting with the real estate agent at the kitchen table going over the data and feeling the pit in my stomach growing larger;  thinking what the heck have we done. Carl and I were totally overwhelmed after that meeting but we were able to figure it out together. Patience is an important part of moving. Maybe even the most important part. Try not to let your emotions impede the action neccesary for change. I even tried to sell our house myself to a couple moving to the area. They looked at our house three different times but ended up renting a home and are now separated. It seemed so dissapointing at the time but there was a plan. Carl's company stepped in and exceeded all of our expectations. They were A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. and helped make our transition to becoming official residents of Tennessee as seamless as possible. It took a lot of time to get to this point but it could not have worked out better. Patience really is a virtue!

     Our beautiful house in Charlotte sold in October and we were able to purchase our fabulous new house in early November. It has taken some time but it feels like home to us now. Nashville is a vibrant, fun town focused on family values. There is lots to do without the feeling of living in a big city. We love the beautiful parks, the quaint shopping districts, the live music and the plethora of good places to grab a bite to eat. We are really enjoying our house and our neighbors are just friendly enough without being overbearing. Evie and I have made a lot of friends which keeps our days filled with fun. Carl is enjoying is job and continues to succeed at work. We definitely made the right decision for our family. Now, that's not to say that it has been smooth sailing everyday because that is certainly not the case. We miss being close to our family and friends and Tennessee is a LONG way from the beach. Time takes care of most everything in life. It feels good to be home.

Horses and Cake!

Evie slept late this morning and then she went jogging with her Daddy. Jogging wore her out enough for a quick power nap before it was time to head out for a birthday party. We had so much fun celebrating sweet Cassidy's first birthday. I remember the first time that we met Carol and Cassidy at the Frisky Berry last summer. Cassidy seemed like such a tiny baby but she has caught up with Evie. A few months make such a difference the first year but after that it all evens out. Cassidy enjoyed her cake and had fun swinging outside with her Papa. Carl loved the corn casserole that was served with lunch. Maybe I can snag the recipe from Carol. Cake is the best part of any party! Evie and I enjoyed our piece of cake. YUMMY!

     Evie crashed at naptime and I did too! Carl made my day by unloading the dishwasher. I even cried that's how thrilled I was that he had taken care of that for me. Sometimes, I feel like the entire day is spent cleaning up in the kitchen. After nap, we took a trip over to River Park. Carl enjoyed the new trail that we had found the other day too. Look how close, we got to the horses! Carl thought we could put Evie out there with the horses since they seemed to like company so much. The playground was our next stop, it never gets old watching Evie go up and down the slide. She thinks it is so much fun and has no fear. The curvy slide is so fast that she took a face plant right into the mulch! Ouch! Evie was not bothered by this and was ready for round 2 on the curvy slide.

      Evie made a hot mess with her dinner so I stripped her down to her diaper.Her clothes required a heavy application of Grandma's Stain Removal. That stuff is amazing!  Evie had a grand time running around downstairs and she even streaked through the yard; which she found extremely amusing. Being outside in your diaper is funny even when you are 15 months old. Carl grilled a delicious pork tenderloin that his parents were gracious enough to bring on their last visit. We are almost out of Maurice's Barbecue sauce. Too bad, it's such a long drive to South Carolina. I am pretty sure that we can order it online. Carl likes to keep a variety of barbecue sauces in full-supply around for grilling purposes. Evie went to bed and we enjoyed dinner outdoors and are settling down to watch a movie. Hope you had a fantastic spring day.

Jumping!

Evie took a short nap and off we went to run a few errands before meeting some friends. We met at Let it Shine. It was so much fun. We had never been there so I was not sure what to expect. It's a HUGE gymnastics studio. Evie was a little overwhelmed at first but she liked jumping, playing with the inflatable balls and sitting with me in the block pit. Evie liked the block pit a lot better when I was in it with her. It made me a little nervous that kids were flying into the pit Tarzan style but apparently that is part of the appeal. We enjoyed visiting with our friends. Evie loves watching the other kids and she even got to check out a little baby. Can't wait to go back in a few weeks!


    We came home for lunch and naptime. Most of Evie's lunch ended up on the floor even her favorite part - grapes. She was wiped out which gave me a chance to catch up around the house. Maybe even some time to squeeze in a little reading. I am back into reading. Thanks Bookswim for giving me the push to get back in the game. I have read The Love Song by Nicholas Sparks and The Happiest Toddler on the Block this week. I am planning to start my Jodi Picoult book this afternoon. Have you read anything interesting lately?


    My sweet friend, Kristin, gave me some new recipes to try so we are planning to try Turkey Pesto Burgers tonight. They sound delicous. Carl noticed the meal plan on the fridge and noticed that pizza was not on there. We almost always order pizza on Friday's. Brooklyn South come open a store in Brentwood. and I will be your best customer! A friend suggested that we try Joey's pizza so maybe we will give that a shot. I am looking forward to trying something new tonight since all my meals taste the same these days. It's time to change it up a bit. Happy Friday to everyone.

15 Months!

Dear Evie,

  I cannot believe you are 15 months old! It seems like just yesterday that you were an eight pound bundle of joy. I will always remember that special Sunday that we brought you home from the hospital. We had no idea what to really expect but you have more than surpassed all of our expectations. We cannot imagine our life without you. Every day, you learn new things and continue to amaze us. We are totally head over heals in love with you sweet girl. You will never truly know how much we love you until one day - many, many years from now when you become a mother. It will all make perfect sense to you then!

Daddy and I both want to come get you out of the crib in the morning. We love to see your smile greet us as soon as the door opens. Sometimes you even jump up and down with joy! Usually, you have dropped your Raffi on the floor and need us to rescue him for you. You and Raffi are the best of friends! Sometimes, I wonder why I thought you needed to have a lovey because he goes everywhere with us and I do mean everywhere! Lately, you have been stuffing Raffi into your mouth. Maybe he tastes good to you, we are not really sure about that.

Warm and sunny days are your favorite. We spend most of the day outside playing. You love to walk up and down the stairs and quickly dart next door to see your doggies every chance that you get. Walks to the park are a daily adventure and Daddy takes you jogging several days a week. It's so wonderful to see the world through your eyes. Everything is so new and exciting to you - the birds in the air, the flowers on the trees and you love to see the airplanes flying high in the sky. Daddy loves how you clap for the soccer players at the park and point at everything that captivates your attention.

Evie, you weigh about 23 pounds and wear an 18 months in clothing. Diapers are still a size 4.You are a fabulous sleeper. Mommy is so grateful. Each night, you sleep about 12 hours and nap for about 4 hours. You love to eat and get really excited when I put you in the high chair. Blueberries and mandarin oranges seem to be your favorite. You are slowly beginning to eat veggies again. Cucumbers and sweet potatoes are high on your list. Sometimes, I give you pureed veggies in your yogurt. That works most of the time and makes me feel better about your nutrition. Milk is your beverage of choice. You drink 5 cups a day so needless to say we buy a lot of milk around here. You discovered that jelly beans are delicious around Easter. Both Daddy and I have caught you with jellybeans in your mouth. Maybe we should do a better job hiding them from you but your Daddy thinks it is really fun to hide a few jellybeans in your eggs so that when you are playing there is a surprise for you. You really like this and there is nothing cuter than seeing you with jellybean drool all over your little chin.

You are our little explorer and cover many miles on your two little feet each day. I have come to expect this from you but you always surprise the other mommies since some of them are not aware that you are part cheetah. You are very brave and love to try new things. We like to see how you analyze the situation and plan your strategy for scaling the hearth or manuevering down the hill. You are such a big girl!

 You had your first major bump this month when you were pushing the stroller and it got away from you a little more quickly than you has anticipated. Mommy was so sad to see your perfect little nose all scraped but it is only the first of many bumps and bruises. You love to rock and spend lots of time rocking your baby in your own little rocker from Ipop. I love to see you hold your baby and take care of your baby. You are really good at sharing with others and this is how you show kindness. Often, you take the strangest objects to people we see in public, it's the way you break the ice and it works rather well for you. Objects like trains from the train table at the library, shiny leaves at the park and pacifiers that you can find no matter how well we thought they were hidden. You are so sweet that you even try to share your pacifier and sippycup with Mommy and Daddy.

I left you overnight for the first time and went to see Candice's new baby in New York. Of course, I missed you so much but Daddy loved having you all to himself. He took you to the park and you spent a lot of time watching the Master's. His favorite part of the whole weekend was when you fell asleep on his lap. That never happens and he just loved it. Maybe you could try that again sometime. We love to snuggle you and are so glad you like to snuggle too! Mommy and Daddy love how you come plop yourself right on our lap. It's so sweet especially watching you back up into our lap.

We just love how you hold your little hands up to be picked up. You do this literally dozens of times per day but it still thrills my heart. I want to always remember how soft your hand is and the way it fits into my palm perfectly. We try to soak up every precious moment with you! It sure is going fast. Mommy is getting a little overwhelmed by the awesome responsibility of being a parent! There's so much that we want to teach you and there is so little time. We want you to grow up with a generous spirit, a prayerful heart and of course a beautiful smile. Daddy and I want to you to be a knowledge seeker, a kind friend to others and a good steward of the Earth. Don't worry sweet girl, we are ready to show you the ropes - one day at a time! We love you so much! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Spoon Feeding!

Evie is really growing up! I dressed her this morning and watched her strut around the house. She is a toddler and has lost her baby look. Evie is so funny! Right now, her favorite thing is sharing but sometimes it gets a little out of control. It feels like she is your Grandma just trying to get you to eat one more bite. This kid will feed you anything and especially the things that she does not want to eat. It's really sweet when she offers something that she enjoys like pretzels or oranges.

   We had a great Kindermusik class. It was good to see of our friends since we had not been to our Thursday class in several weeks. We spent a lot of time outside since it was a lot cooler. The pollen does not seem to be bothering Evie this year but I have had a headache all week. Here's hoping to some rain to wash the yellow stuff away.

Evie slept until 4:15 again so we headed out for a late afternoon walk. Evie was a hoot at dinner time. She got more food on her than in her but she had fun doing it. That's what really matters, right.  We use two spoons to eat or at least Evie does. I load one up and she gets it to her mouth while I load up another spoon. This keeps her interested in eating and cuts down on the time it takes for her to finish her dinner. Be sure to notice that her bib is missing because she threw it on the floor. Guess, it cramped her style. I love the shots of Evie in her diaper cover. She's checking her Daddy out mowing the grass. What a sweet girl!